A couple of weeks ago in New York longtime Bay Area to NYC transplant Thembisa S. Mshaka, through her company SEEIT Films, held the premiere screening of her first movie, the short The Divorce Counselor (pic above with Rachel Noerdlinger, CEO, Noerdlinger Media is from the red carpet of that screening that received positive reviews). Already busy working on her follow up projects the LA born, Mills College alum, renaissance woman who used to oversee the rap department at now defunct San Francisco radio trade magazine The Gavin Report and later in NYC worked at SONY Music's headquarters as Advertising Copywriter, recently took time to chat with the Amoeblog about her decision to get into film making and about her career to date which she described as, "a series of amazing, blessed experiences. I was fortunate to be the first woman and African American Rap Editor for Gavin, and held the position longer than anyone before or after me--from 1993-1998."

The role of rap music editor in 1990's hip-hop was an extremely important and influential one to hold. "Being able to connect artists, radio, and record execs through Gavin during arguably hip hop's most intriguing, diverse and profitable time was incredible. It taught me the power that comes with being a member of the media. I take that power very seriously and don't take it for granted. That has guided me through all my roles as campaign writer, promo producer, and now, filmmaker," commented Mshaka whose bylines have appeared in such magazines as Honey and BLAZE where she was contributing editor penning a column that addressed the convergence of gender and hip-hop culture. Four years ago her book Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [entertainment] Business was published by Business Plus.